Plant turnips for deer in late summer, roughly six to eight weeks before your area’s first frost. Knowing exactly when to plant turnips for deer can make the difference between a lush food plot and a disappointing patch of weeds. Timing is everything when you want to attract deer with a reliable, high-protein food source through fall and winter.
Turnips are a favorite among whitetail deer because they are easy to grow, highly digestible, and packed with nutrients. But if you plant them too early, they may bolt or get overtaken by weeds. Plant them too late, and they won’t develop enough root mass before the ground freezes. This guide will walk you through the perfect planting window, step by step.
Why Timing Matters For Turnip Food Plots
Deer turnip plots are all about providing forage when natural food sources dwindle. Turnips thrive in cool weather and actually improve in taste after a light frost. The key is to have mature greens and roots available just as acorns and browse start to disappear.
If you plant in mid-summer, the heat can stress young turnip seedlings. They may also face heavy competition from summer weeds. On the other hand, planting too close to frost means the plants won’t have enough time to develop substantial bulbs. Deer love the greens first, then dig up the roots later in winter.
Understanding Your Local Frost Dates
Your first frost date is the anchor for your planting schedule. Check your local agricultural extension or use an online frost date calculator. Turnips need about 60 to 80 days to reach full maturity, but they can be grazed earlier.
- Count back 8 weeks from your average first frost date.
- This gives you a target planting window, usually late July to early September in most northern states.
- In southern regions, you can plant later, sometimes into October.
Turnips are frost-tolerant. A light frost actually converts starches into sugars, making them sweeter and more attractive to deer. So don’t panic if a cold snap hits early.
When To Plant Turnips For Deer: The Exact Window
The ideal planting window is late summer to early fall. For most of the United States, this means mid-August to early September. In the deep South, you can push planting into October. In northern zones, aim for late July or early August.
Here is a simple breakdown by region:
- Northern states (Zones 3-5): Plant between July 20 and August 15.
- Mid-Atlantic and Midwest (Zones 6-7): Plant between August 10 and September 1.
- Southern states (Zones 8-9): Plant between September 1 and October 15.
These windows ensure your turnips have enough warm soil to germinate quickly, followed by cool weather for root development. If you plant too early, the heat may cause poor germination or stunted growth. Too late, and the roots stay small.
Soil Temperature Matters More Than Calendar Date
Soil temperature is a better guide than the calendar. Turnip seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F. The sweet spot is around 60-70°F. Use a soil thermometer to check at a 2-inch depth.
If the soil is too warm (above 85°F), seeds may rot or germinate unevenly. If it’s too cold (below 50°F), germination slows down and plants may struggle. Wait for a cooler spell if your soil is still baking in late summer.
Step-By-Step Guide To Planting Turnips For Deer
Follow these steps to maximize your success. Even small mistakes can cost you a season of forage.
1. Choose The Right Turnip Variety
Not all turnips are equal for deer. Some varieties are bred for greens, others for large bulbs. For deer, look for hybrid forage turnips like Purple Top, Trophy, or Rackmaster. These have high sugar content and grow fast.
- Purple Top: Classic variety, reliable, good bulb size.
- Trophy: Hybrid with extra sweet flavor.
- Rackmaster: Specifically bred for deer plots.
You can also mix turnips with other brassicas like rape or kale for a longer grazing season. But pure turnip plots are simpler to manage.
2. Prepare The Seedbed
Turnips need a firm, weed-free seedbed. Start by killing existing vegetation with glyphosate or by tilling. If you have heavy weed pressure, spray two weeks before planting, then till lightly.
- Spray weeds with a non-selective herbicide.
- Wait 10-14 days for weeds to die.
- Disk or till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches.
- Drag or cultipack to firm the soil.
A firm seedbed ensures good seed-to-soil contact. Loose soil can cause seeds to dry out or wash away.
3. Test And Amend Soil
Turnips prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, add lime several weeks before planting. A soil test kit from your local extension office is cheap and worth it.
Add a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at a rate of 300-400 pounds per acre. Turnips are heavy feeders, especially for nitrogen. But don’t overdo it, or you’ll get huge greens and small roots.
4. Plant At The Right Depth And Rate
Turnip seeds are tiny. Plant them no deeper than 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Broadcasting works well, but you can also use a drill seeder for more precision.
- Seeding rate: 5-8 pounds per acre for pure stands.
- If mixing with other brassicas, use 3-4 pounds per acre.
- Broadcast evenly, then cultipack or drag lightly to cover seeds.
After planting, water if rain is not expected within a few days. Moisture is critical for germination. Turnips typically sprout in 7-14 days.
5. Manage Weeds And Pests
Weeds are the biggest enemy of young turnips. If you prepared the seedbed well, weed pressure should be low. But if broadleaf weeds appear, you can spot-spray with a selective herbicide labeled for brassicas.
Flea beetles are common pests that chew small holes in leaves. They rarely kill plants, but heavy infestations can stunt growth. Use an insecticide if you see significant damage.
When To Expect Deer To Start Using Your Plot
Deer will start grazing turnip greens as soon as they are 4-6 inches tall, usually within 3-4 weeks of planting. The greens are highly palatable and protein-rich. As fall progresses, deer will dig up the bulbs, especially after snow covers other food sources.
In my experience, deer hit turnip plots hardest after the first hard frost. That’s when the sugar content peaks. You may see little activity until then, but don’t worry. The plot will become a magnet in late season.
Extending The Grazing Season
If you want deer to use your plot for months, plant a mix of brassicas. Turnips provide early greens and late roots. Add rape for more leafy forage and kale for cold-hardiness. This diversity keeps deer coming back.
Another trick is to stagger planting dates. Plant half your plot 8 weeks before frost and the other half 6 weeks before. This gives you a continuous supply of tender greens.
Common Mistakes When Planting Turnips For Deer
Even experienced food plotters make errors. Here are the most common ones to avoid.
- Planting too deep: Turnip seeds need light to germinate. Burying them too deep kills germination.
- Skipping soil test: Low pH or nutrient deficiency stunts growth. Always test.
- Planting in dry soil: Without moisture, seeds won’t sprout. Wait for rain or irrigate.
- Overcrowding: Too many plants compete for nutrients. Thin if necessary, but broadcasting at correct rates helps.
- Ignoring deer pressure: If deer are abundant, they may eat all the greens before roots form. Use a larger plot or plant a mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Turnips Too Early For Deer?
Yes, planting in early summer can lead to poor germination due to heat and weed competition. The plants may also bolt (go to seed) instead of growing roots. Stick to late summer for best results.
What Is The Best Month To Plant Turnips For Deer In The South?
In the deep South, September through October is ideal. Your first frost comes later, so you have a longer window. Aim for 8 weeks before your first frost, which might be November or even December in some areas.
Do Deer Prefer Turnip Greens Or Roots?
Deer typically eat greens first, as they are more tender and accessible. Once greens are gone or snow covers them, deer will dig up the roots. Both parts are highly nutritious.
How Long Do Turnips Last In A Food Plot?
Turnips can provide forage from late summer through winter, depending on climate. In mild winters, roots may last until early spring. In harsh winters, deer will consume them quickly once snow covers other food.
Should I Fertilize Turnips After Planting?
Turnips benefit from a nitrogen boost about 4-6 weeks after planting. Apply 30-40 pounds of nitrogen per acre if leaves look pale. But avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce root size.
Final Thoughts On Timing Your Turnip Plot
Planting turnips for deer is a simple, effective way to provide late-season nutrition. The key is to match your planting date to your local frost schedule. Count back 8 weeks, prepare your soil, and plant at the right depth. With a little care, you’ll have a plot that deer will use from October through February.
Remember, turnips are forgiving. Even if you miss the ideal window by a week or two, you’ll still get some forage. But for maximum impact, aim for that sweet spot in late summer. Your deer herd will thank you with better health and antler growth.
So grab your seeds, check your soil, and get planting. The rewards are worth the effort. A well-timed turnip plot is one of the best investments you can make for your deer management program.